Holbrook Academy is among three regional companies dealt large fines by the government for failing to pay employees the National Minimum Wage.

Two workers from the school were involved in the case, which led to arrears of £1,876 being owed.

According to latest data, the period of arrears began in September 2016 and ended in January 2017.

Last night the school’s headteacher, Dr Simon Letman, said he did not want to comment on the news.

Busy Bees Montessori Nursery School Limited, which trades as Busy Bees Nursery School in Beck Row, was also fined – as 19 workers were owed £2,488 in arrears. Representatives for the nursery were approached for comment but did not respond in time for publication.

A third business named was Witham Hand Car Wash Ltd, where six workers were in arrears of £10,052 between April and October 2016. This company was liquidated and closed in January this year. As well as recovering back pay for 9,200 workers, the government fined 180 employers nationwide a total of £1.3million in penalties.

Since 2013, the scheme has identified more than £9million in back pay for around 67,000 workers – with more than 1,700 employers fined a total of £6.3million. Business minister Andrew Griffiths said: “The world of work is changing and we have set out our plans to give millions of workers enhanced rights to ensure everyone is paid and treated fairly in the workplace.

“There are no excuses for short-changing workers. This is an absolute red line for this Government and employers who cross it will get caught – not only are they forced to pay back every penny but they are also fined up to 200% of wages owed. Today’s naming round serves as a sharp reminder to employers to get their house in order ahead of minimum wage rate rises on April 1.”

Bryan Sanderson, Chairman of the Low Pay Commission, added: “As the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates rise on April 1, it is vital that workers understand their rights, and employers their obligations.

“The Low Pay Commission is pleased to see the Government maintaining the momentum of its minimum wage enforcement.

“The recent announcement that all workers will have a right to payslips stating the hours they have worked – an idea originally proposed by the LPC – is a positive step.”